Rockford Schools

By Erica Hurtt&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Wed 4:29 PM, Jan 28, 2004&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Wed 4:29 PM, Jan 28, 2004

State leaders are stepping in. They say the situation in the Rockford school district has to change. It's rare for democrats and republicans to agree on anything, but they do agree on this. They don't want the state running Rockford schools.

Four local legislators gathered in Rockford Wednesday to address the problems facing district 205. They say a state takeover of the district would not solve its financial problems and send the wrong message to the community.

School leaders are currently grappling with a $30 million deficit and academic performance problems. Lawmakers' other big issue is Rockford's search for a new superintendent of schools.

Syverson cited the revamp of the Chicago school system as an example. The senator says Superintendent Paul Vallas was a leader with a strong financial background and he's often credited with the turn around of the city's schools.

The good news is they haven't heard anything from the state superintendent or the State Board of Education to suggest a takeover of Rockford is on the radar, but they say the new superintendent will be critical to keeping district 205 far from the possibility.

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